Monday, December 24, 2018

Having green eyes, I never really wore much green eyeshadow. I figured it was a bit too matchy-matchy. But I always really wanted to try it. So when I was looking for ideas to match my green velvet holiday this dress this year, I was thrilled to see Rimmel had just come out with a cool new 2-in-1 Wonder'Swipe liner to shadow in a gorgeous shade of emerald green (the shade name is Kha-Ching). This unique liner can be used as a liquid liner (beautiful glimmery cat-eye, anyone??), or you can blend it out for a bold shimmery shadow.

For this holiday look, I did a super easy emerald green smokey eye by just applying the Wonder'Swipe all over my upper lids, and in a line below the eye, and then just blended it in with a small makeup brush. Literally that easy! I'm no eyeshadow expert, so a look like this I can get behind. I just applied a few layers of my favourite mascara of the moment, the L'Oreal Unlimited mascara from London Drugs (love its bendable handle!), and voila.

To finish off the look, I wanted to go with a nude lip - I went with Charlotte Tilbury's Hot Lips Lipstick in Kim K.W. It's such a great neutral lip colour, with a really comfortable formula. As you've probably noticed, I usually go with a bold lipstick, so this was a nice change!

Well, Happy Holidays folks! Hope you have a wonderful time at all of your holiday parties and dinners!

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Happy holidays, folks! Christmas is officially almost here, and I couldn't be more excited...to have multiple excuses to get all dressed up in one week! Christmas might just be my favourite time of year, because I love pulling out the glitter for all of my holiday outfits. It's an excuse to go way more glam!

I absolutely fell in love with this red dress at Value Village back in August, and I knew right away that I'd want to use it during the holidays. A solid coloured dress makes it so easy to style with your favourite glittery accessories. Plus, can't hurt when you find the perfect dress for $13.49. Gotta love Value Village. But don't worry, I've linked up a few other affordable options below too.

I thought I'd break down the elements of this holiday look for you, in case it'll help you plan out your own last minute holiday outfits (and don't forget - I also have a video here with some more holiday outfit inspiration, from Queensborough Landing Shopping Centre!)

Anatomy of a sparkly holiday outfit:

A solid coloured dress: Red or green are the obvious choices here, but really, any colour will do. By working with a solid colour, you'll have a good canvas to add all of your other fun and sparkly accessories. If you go with a dress that has bold prints/patterns, you may not be able to go with as many accessories, as it'll make things a bit too 'busy'.

A sparkly necklace: No, not all necklaces are created equal. The one necklace that I always reach for, that is super glittery, yet surprisingly affordable, is this Lucy Crystal Collar Necklace from Olive + Piper. I seriously don't know what it is about this necklace, but it sparkles like diamonds!

Glittery earrings: Ear jackets are my favourite earring option, when pairing earrings and a necklace. I hate wearing large earrings when I'm already wearing a necklace. And studs feel a little too boring for a fancier outfit. So I find that ear jackets are a good happy-medium, between studs and statement earrings. These little crystal and silver ones from Nobis & Grey have been an absolute go-to for years!

A glittery purse: You can't go wrong with a purse covered in glitter this time of year. And you can use it for Christmas and your New Years parties! I found this gorgeous little Kate Spade purse at an outlet last year, and haven't regretted it one bit. So cute! It also has a crossbody strap which for me is a must. Mine is out of stock, but this one is a super affordable alternative.

Glittery shoes: And the glittery pièce de résistance? These adorable glittery shoes from Old Navy! I bought these right away because they not only sparkle like nobody's business, but they also have a nice chunky low heel, making them ideal for standing around or dancing at holiday parties. I've gotten so many compliments on these heels already this December...if you happen to spot a pair in-store, snag them asap because they're going fast!!

Oh and I did want to also throw out a shout-out to the amazing stick-on nails I'm wearing here. I honestly can't say enough amazing things about them!! They're imPRESS nails, from London Drugs, and I've worn them for an entire week, and they still look great! I've replaced three over the last couple days, but hey - I think $10 for a weeklong manicure is actually a great deal. I feel like in the long term that would work out cheaper than a good pro manicure, and they stay looking 100% perfect the whole time, as opposed to when I go to the salon, I find they're still getting dented and chipping within that time. In fact, I love these so much, I just went out and bought another pair from London Drugs in a pretty matte burgundy and gold, to wear for Christmas Eve!

I can't believe we're on the homestretch here - just two days until Christmas!! I think this is the first year I've ever been done my Christmas shopping more than a few days before Christmas, so definitely feeling like I've rocked it this year. But, if you're like I am most years, and still have a few gifts to knock off your list, I've partnered with Queensborough Landing (in New Westminster, BC) to share some awesome last minute gift ideas. And if you're still trying to figure out what to wear to your Christmas parties and dinners, we've got you covered there too! Best of all - all of these gift ideas and outfits are affordable, because you know that's my middle name! Check out the videos below for all the details...

Holiday Outfit Ideas

Affordable Cozy Holiday Gift Ideas

And don't worry - I've got a holiday makeup look coming your way tomorrow, so stay tuned for that too!

Friday, December 7, 2018

The holidays feel like they're officially in full swing now...and that means holiday parties are popping up left, right and centre! I was taking a peek through my party/occasion shoe collection this week to start styling my holiday outfits and realized I have a pretty big obsession with glittery shoes. In fact, my blogger buddy Leeanne had texted me a photo the other day of a pair of glittery block heels from Old Navy, and I literally ran out the same day to pick up a pair. Then came home to realize I have like 3 other pairs of glittery shoes. But they're all so different! I said to convince myself I could keep them. But you know what? They do all get used! If you've got more than one or two holiday parties to go to, it's not hard to give each of your pairs a little showtime.

So in light of the upcoming holiday party season, and my ever-growing party shoe collection, I thought I'd share links to some of my favourite pairs of dressy heels and flats that I think would be perfect for your holiday outfits! From glittery flats to soft velvety heels, there's a little something glam for everyone. Just click any of the pretty, sparkly shoes below to shop!

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And to help get you started with your holiday shoe shopping, here's a fabulous opportunity to WIN a $100 gift card to Shopbop! I've linked to a few of their pairs of party shoes above that you could put that gift card towards (like those insanely awesome glitter ankle boots from Kate Spade!! O.M.G!).